Nation & World News

VA treated shooting suspect for insomnia

By KEVIN FREKING Associated Press

Posted:
09/18/2013 01:36:15 PM PDT

WASHINGTON—The Veterans Affairs Department has told lawmakers that the Washington Navy Yard gunman visited two VA hospitals in late August complaining of insomnia, but that he denied struggling with anxiety or depression or had thoughts of harming himself or others.

The information about the gunman, Aaron Alexis, was released to Congress Wednesday. The Associated Press obtained a summary.

The VA said Alexis visited the VA facility in Providence, R.I., on Aug. 23, and was given medication to help him sleep and advised to follow up. Five days later he sought a refill at the VA Medical Center in Washington. The VA described him as "alert and oriented" during both visits.

Alexis, a former member of the Navy Reserve, had a 30 percent disability rating based on orthopedic problems and tinnitus.